Virgil showed the professional in him, not letting the emotions affect his work. His hands did not tremble when he swiftly checked John's body for injuries. Finding no serious ones, he moved to find a big bump on John's head.

"Hopefully there's no internal bleeding," he said rather to himself, but Scott did hear him.

He slumped into the chair next to John's bed and hid his face in his hands.

"I always hoped he's safe there. That I don't have to worry at least about him," Scott sighed, desperation lacing his voice.

"He is safe there. This is an exception," Virgil assured him while preparing John for a CT. But it didn't help. The damage was done. If it was anyone else, anyone but John, Scott thought. He couldn't imagine loosing his closest brother. John was always there for him, always stoic, helping him make decisions without a blink of an eye, supporting him with his calm attitude. All he had to do was protect him, and he failed. His little brother, always so frail, and he let him down.

He was the oldest and his brothers were his responsibility. Luckily John and Virgil were old enough to take care of themselves, even to help him with the other two. Especially Virgil, good strong Virgil, who could manage Gordon and Alan all by himself most of the time. That left him with John, and he wasn't even able to protect him, to save him. Scott relied on John, and John never failed him. He did his job on 200 %, never complained, always been there when Scott needed him. They stood together against the world, sometimes even against their own brothers, always having each other's back.

Scott felt the need to protect John not because of his fragile body construction, but because of his silent mind. John's always been hiding inside of his head, hardly ever letting anyone in, letting anyone to really get to know him. Scott was one of those exceptional people, and he treasured this knowledge to no end. He wanted to have John in Thunderbird 5, because John himself felt safe and happy there. And he told Scott. He explained it all to his brother, all the reasons why he didn't feel well amongst the people, why the company of the stars was so much better for him. He trusted Scott, he trusted him more than any of his other brothers did. That was so special about John, that was so special about their bond. And now…

"The CT's clear. No internal bleeding, just the swelling and severe concussion. We should keep him awake, keep him company. Well, once he wakes up, of course," Virgil reported, but Scott was lost in his thoughts.

"Scott? You all right?" Virgil asked, putting his hand gently on his brother's shoulder.

"What?" Scott seemed to be startled. "Sorry, what have you said?" he asked after he realized that Virgil's been talking to him.

"I said no internal bleeding, just severe concussion," Virgil repeated.

"Good, that's good." Scott could feel the heavy boulder lifting from his chest.

"But we should keep him awake, keep him company," Virgil added again. "Do you want to stay with him?" he asked.

"Sure," Scott nodded.

"Do you need something? Can I make you a tea or something?" Virgil was turning for the doors.

"Yeah, that would be nice, thank you," Scott said, but then realized something and caught Virgil by his wrist. "Thank you, Virgil," he said and looked deep into his brother's dark brown eyes. Virgil simply nodded. Oh God, Scott thought, sometimes I feel like Virgil's the oldest. I should be thanking him more often!